Compliance
-
Retail workers hail New York’s new panic-button law
The law, which Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Thursday, mandates better lighting, adequate staffing, employee training and safety measures in stores. Key trade groups opposed the measure.
By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2024 -
3 steps to mitigate wildfire effects on IAQ
Building occupancy, air filter inventory and measures to manage air intake and exhaust are among the factors to consider, experts say.
By Joe Burns • Sept. 9, 2024 -
OSHA sets late December comment deadline for extreme heat standard
The agency’s proposed rule would require employers to develop heat injury and illness prevention plans, among other actions.
By Ryan Golden • Sept. 6, 2024 -
What to know about BERDO, Boston’s building performance standards law
While many buildings already meet 2025 emissions limits, facility managers and owners should start planning now for how they’ll meet future requirements, city officials say.
By Joe Burns • Updated Aug. 29, 2024 -
New York City releases Local Law 97 guide, updates to building categories
The first mandatory annual greenhouse gas emissions reports are due by May 1, 2025. Penalties for late filings start at $12,500 per month for a 25,000-square-foot building.
By Nish Amarnath • Aug. 22, 2024 -
Judge strikes down FTC noncompete ban nationwide
The ruling comes just 15 days prior to the ban’s Sept. 4 effective date.
By Ryan Golden • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Adidas America faces almost $400K in fines over warehouse safety violations
Safety hazards, such as an unsafe ladder and a lack of guardrails, found during a 2021 OSHA inspection of the facility were still not addressed during a January 2024 visit, the federal agency said.
By Cara Salpini • Aug. 20, 2024 -
San Francisco passes ban on revenue management software in rental housing
The ordinance, which has not yet been enacted, imposes a penalty of up to $1,000 per unit per month.
By Mary Salmonsen • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Overtime eligibility salary test questioned in wake of Chevron doctrine decision
Judges questioned whether the agency’s consideration of salary exceeds the authority delegated by Congress.
By Ryan Golden • Aug. 12, 2024 -
SEC defends its authority for climate disclosure rule in court
Against allegations of overreach and unconstitutionality, the agency argues the rule provides necessary and consistent climate data and is within its regulatory scope.
By Lamar Johnson • Aug. 9, 2024 -
GSA updates federal building standards in clean energy push
The latest P100 update, which applies to 300,000 federal buildings, mandates clean energy use in facilities, sets new benchmarks for efficiency and strengthens protections against unsafe labor practices.
By Nish Amarnath • Aug. 8, 2024 -
OSHA’s proposed heat rule: It’s time to get HIIPP
Legal experts say regardless of whether the standard will be adopted, it’s a helpful tool and provides insight into the agency’s view of heat safety.
By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 1, 2024 -
Bipartisan bill would strengthen EPA’s indoor air quality oversight
Despite the risks associated with poor indoor air quality, the agency does not have broad responsibility for monitoring IAQ in the same way it is authorized to do so for ambient air, a spokesperson for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.
By Joe Burns • July 31, 2024 -
Deep Dive
How OSHA’s proposed heat rule could impact manufacturers
Companies should prepare now to offer employees additional breaks and increased air conditioning as global temperatures continue to rise.
By Sara Samora • July 30, 2024 -
Building performance standards are likely not preempted by federal law, attorney says
State and local policies on energy efficiency are likely safe from these lawsuits, despite a federal appeals court decision to strike down Berkeley, California’s natural gas ban in new construction, a Public Health Law Center staffer said.
By Ysabelle Kempe • July 26, 2024 -
US cities sharpen focus on building performance standards to meet net-zero goals
Over 40 cities will have these standards in place by 2026, compelling building owners to prioritize energy efficiency and emissions reduction measures, according to a report from JLL.
By Nish Amarnath • July 25, 2024 -
NLRB withdraws 5th Circuit appeal of joint employer final rule injunction
The National Labor Relations Board said it would “like the opportunity to further consider the issues identified” in a district court’s injunction while citing other, ongoing legislation relevant to its rulemaking.
By Ryan Golden • July 22, 2024 -
Deep Dive
What employers can expect following the end of Chevron deference
The decision could cause a number of the U.S. Department of Labor’s regulations to fall, said a former administrator of DOL’s wage and hour division.
By Ryan Golden • July 19, 2024 -
5 takeaways on costs, challenges of climate disclosure compliance
Complacency regarding the SEC’s now-stayed rules could leave companies “scrambling to try to get ready” once they are put in place, PwC’s Marc Siegel said.
By Maura Webber Sadovi • July 17, 2024 -
Labor Department, challengers argue over ESG rule’s tiebreaker standard post-Chevron
A lawyer representing the Labor Department said he believes “the logic of the District Court’s opinion would produce the same result” under the Loper Bright ruling.
By Lamar Johnson • July 11, 2024 -
‘There’s been a ton of progress’ on energy efficiency this year. Next up: court cases and an election
2024 has been a banner year for energy efficiency so far, particularly with a slate of new appliance standards finalized by the U.S. Department of Energy. But a court case and upcoming election could stall progress, say experts.
By Robert Walton • July 9, 2024 -
OSHA proposes rule to protect workers from extreme heat
The standard would require employers to evaluate heat risks and, when necessary, provide drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat.
By Zachary Phillips • July 3, 2024 -
State employees in Texas not subject to overtime rule, judge holds
The ruling — which relies on the Supreme Court’s same-day decision that overturned the Chevron doctrine — is likely to foreshadow similar pending challenges, attorneys noted.
By Emilie Shumway • July 2, 2024 -
NYC Council approves legislation requiring proactive building inspections
If signed into law, the bill would require the Department of Buildings to use predictive analytics to identify and address hazardous structures before they become dangerous.
By Nish Amarnath • June 28, 2024 -
California adopts rule limiting indoor workplace heat exposure
Employers will have to provide workers with cooldown spaces and water if the indoor temperature or heat index cracks 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 27, 2024